We thought we’d wrap up blogiversary week with one last post for anyone else writing a blog and/or trying to make a business out of it. We don’t like to think of ourselves as formal blogging experts, but since we always share our learn-as-we-go insights when it comes to home and DIY, we figured it made sense to share what we’ve learned in the past four years of blogging too. Oh and we included pictures of Burger to help illustrate some points along the way. You know, for kicks.
Rule #1: A blog should be born from passion (not a business plan). At least for us, that seemed to work. We write about DIY because we love it, not because we picked it off of a list of “hot topics that might make you money.” Writing about what you truly love makes all of the not-as-fun “maintenance” parts of blogging worth it, and helps make the fun parts that much more fun to do.
Rule #2: Blogging is not a get rich quick thing. Again, at least not in our experience. It’s more like a write-over-2,000-posts-over-four-years-and-make-a-modest-living thing. So in the beginning you might just be sniffing counting pennies, but remember rule #1… you’re doing what you love!
Rule #3: “Success” is an insanely random beast. We have no idea why our little blog grew like it did. There are thousands of amazingly creative blogs out there, so it’s not like we think what we do is terribly unique (see this post). Our best guess is that’s it’s some combination of hard work and a series of lucky breaks (more on that here). Though our geekiness, honesty, and borderline annoying can-do attitude might contribute as well.
Rule #4: Don’t try to be anyone but you. This honestly should be rule #1 because it’s the first and most important (albeit extremely tried and true) tip that we could ever pass along. Mimicking a blog that’s already big won’t get you there, nor will acting snarky if you’re not (or acting not-snarky if you are?). So if you’re not a taco loving chihuahua, don’t try to play one on TV on your blog. It’s much easier to detect phoniness online than you might think, and people will connect with you more strongly if you’re just being good ol’ fashioned you.
Rule #5: Not everyone will love every post/idea. We’re still working on this (hence Goal #4 yesterday) but that old saying “the fastest way to please no one is to try to please everyone” is a famous quote for a reason. There will always be folks asking for more of something while others want less of it. But in the scheme of things, it’s your blog. And blogging (like design) is subjective – so there’s not one “right way” to do it. It definitely helps to accept that opposing opinions are par for the course, then just hold strong to Rule #4 and you’ll be ok.
Rule #6: Blogging is a desk job. As you saw in our pie-chart-tastic post on Tuesday, we spend 80%-ish of our working hours doing something on the computer (writing posts, editing photos, responding to emails, writing columns, answering comments) so even though our subject matter is pretty “active,” projects are probably a smaller part of what we do than most people think.
Rule #7: Blogging’s also a creative after-hours not-desk job too. Which is our favorite part. The fact that painting a room, building a desk, or creating free art is a part of our job rocks our socks off. And that’s a big reason why we keep doing what we’re doing, because we recognize how incredibly fortunate we are to get to make a living doing what we love (which brings us back to Rule #1).
Rule #8: You work harder for yourself than anyone else. We’ve heard this from lots of people who have their own business, and it’s 100% true. The pressure is on when things like buying food and paying the mortgage all depend on your “venture.” And it’s especially hard to unplug when you work from home, since the line between laptop time and family time is blurred (we’re still working on it, hence Goal #1 of yesterday’s post). Just try to get some fresh air every now and then. We come up with some of our best ideas when we’re on a road trip or out walking around the neighborhood.
Rule #9: As your blog grows, the expenses will grow too. Many of our friends are surprised to hear that we have business expenses (hence this post on Tuesday), but between paying for hosting, site support, insurance, business fees, accounting, and quarterly taxes there’s definitely a price to blogging (not to mention all the projects that we take on, which have to be budgeted for as well). So it might help to prepare for that stuff by learning how to stay organized, track your money, and balance a budget. Heck, getting chummy with an accountant or two can’t hurt either.
Rule #10: It’s all worth it! So just relax, have fun, and see where you end up. In spite of some of the hard behind-the-scenes stuff about blogging, one thing is for sure: we love what we do. And we wouldn’t rather be doing anything else. Seriously. Four years ago when we started this whole shebang we never dreamed that we’d end up here. But we did. And for that we’re extremely grateful. So remember to enjoy the ride. Heck, feel free to wag your tail a bit.
Ok, now we want to hear from you guys. To those who blog, we’d love to hear what you’ve learned (I’m sure the lessons are completely different for everyone!). And if you’re not a blogger, we’d love to hear a few things that your current profession has taught you (are we the only nosy folks who find other people’s jobs fascinating?). For example, in advertising I learned to be flexible, not get married to an idea, be passionate, and wing it.
With that, we have reached the end of our big ol’ fourth blogiversary. Thanks so much for celebrating with us!
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Di says
First off, Congrats on your Blogiversary!!
Honestly, I am new to this whole blogging world, but I have learned that persistence & planning really pay off (actually this is true in life too…. )
I am chronicling my journey back to pre-baby (toddler) weight, getting out of debt and learning to cook healthy meals. I have found that planning my posts for the next week or two really helps get me moving & writing. I try to write some on Saturday or Sunday and set some of them to post during the week. This way I don’t feel stressed to constantly post.
Persistence is also very important. Many days my mom is the only one who comments on my posts (isn’t that cute, though?).
In the end, I am just trying to tell a story. And it is way cheaper then therapy.
Congrats again and many more years of Blogging Success!!!
Jen says
I’m a random blogger, and not very dedicated or very good, lol oh well!
I also run my own home business, Home Daycare Center. I love what I do, working for myself and being home all day. It’s very rewarding seeing little minds grow and learn every day. Plus the giggles and hugs are super great too.
Biggest lessons from my job? #1: Patience, patience, oh and patience. Being organized is #2. It’s soooo important to follow my state’s regulations and have all paperwork and information filed neatly and within quick reach…as well as it doesn’t hurt at tax time to have everything already pre-sorted and filed appropriately. And #3, know when to say no, thank you to a potential client or good-bye to a family who just doesn’t jive well. It’s harder but that much more important to listen to your gut when it’s your business. After all, the family depends on it.
Thanks for all your tips on the blogging as well as the business end of it! I look forward to your posts every day! :)
Monica says
I have a full time job but I recently started blogging to document our life. While I am only in my 20’s I have the worst memory, I hope to be able to look back and see the fun we had on the weekends, the crazy things we ran into when doing a simple project, and the memories that we share while doing it all. I also think if I post something, say a project, I will be more likely to get it done in a timely manner. Thanks for all the inspiration that y’all offer!
Jaime says
I like your blog. Sometimes you’re a little campy, a little earnest, and little goofy, but I think I ultimately relate because you seem really common. And you’re not trying to re-do a mansion. And I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but I think your blog succeeds because you’re both physically attractive.
Jaime says
one of the reasons it succeeds, not the only reason!
Megan says
Definitely not the only reason!!!
Though I will say I have sent a link to the blog with a message that sounds something like: “Omg, prettiest couple/baby/puppy/house in the whole world!” to more than one friend.
Annie says
A year ago my fiance and I moved from Florida to Los Angeles when I got a job working in TV, for Celebrity Apprentice to be exact, since I know you both watch it! I constantly think about starting a blog to document our new adventures so our family and friends can be in the loop more often. Working in this industry has taught me lots… Schedules and deadlines change all the time, and there’s always a rat race when one show ends and you have to jump on another– Moved out here for one show and now I’m working for Hell’s Kitchen not even a year later :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man we love that show! No way. So cool.
xo,
s
Madeline says
Thanks to Clara! Today has been one of those ridiculously craptastic days and the video of her singing with Rihanna gave me my first laugh of the day! Her “yeah yeah yeah” was just so stinkin cute….Thanks for the smiles, Clara!
Bboss says
Thanks for your posts. The information has been very, very interesting. I have always wanted to start a blog, but I lack the #1 thing on your list. I don’t have any overriding passions on one particular thing. Also, since I’m in your 1% of 50 and over, I come from the old school of not wanting to expose the details of my life on the internet. However, I enjoy reading blogs and maybe one day it will work out for me.
Work can be something you love and I often encourage people who hate their job to dream big and take risks.
Rachel says
I really enjoy your blog! And thanks for sharing all of the information about blogging! I am thinking about starting a blog; just trying to build up that courage to make that first step!!
Great job guys and keep it up! Love your site!
Liliana says
John, Sherry,
You guys have a great thing (blog) going here, and I commend you for such a great job. Your blog is very inspiring. I have read for a blog to be successful it takes a lot of discipline not to mention hard work. You two make a great team. I have no doubt even bigger and better things will come your way.
As Napoleon Hill said: “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”.
~ L.
Vanessa says
Great week! Cannot wait until next year’s blogiversary!
Have a great weekend and thanks for including us on everything- or almost everything :)
Jennifer says
Burger is soooo handsome! Maybe he needs a lady friend to pal around with? Keep up the great job you do!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I just pinned a chihuahua on Pinterest that caught his eye. Hilarious.
xo,
s
Cheryl says
I have been blogging for almost 3 years. I love it and I love all the doors that it has opened with respect to all the other incredible blogs out there. I do this out of a hobby but would love to maybe some day love to do my passion for a living and hopefully blogging will help that in some way. I think that one of the things that I have really learned is – is that even though there aren’t alwaya very many comments – I hear from a lot of people that they still read my blog daily. It took me awhile to not take the lack of comments personally – and understand that not everyone is into leaveing a comment. Congratulations on your blog and success!!
Pam says
I love your blog. I read every day . Sometimes twice.
I love today’s post. I love Burger.
pam
Emily @ NewlyWife says
I learned that it’s best not to compare your blog and your life with other’s blogs and lives. To be honest, I found myself a little jealous, wanting the life you guys have. But I must tell you, the day-in-the-life post was very eye opening (I even feel bad writing this comment knowing that you’ll have to take extra time away from your family and DIY to approve this). Thanks again for all the blogiversay posts. Great as always!
Maureen@ This (Kinda) Old House says
I have JUST started blogging, and I really love it. I have always loved decorating, but now that I am blogging about it, the passion for it just grows. Not to mention that it lights a fire under my butt to get projects done around the house. :) Great blogiversary week, and I am really looking forward to things to come!
Holli says
Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for all you guys to do make this blog happen. I look forward to your posts every day. Heck, I kinda feel like we are old friends now (pretend that isn’t creepy, k? thanks). Your passion for what you do totally comes through and makes it fun to read about your DIY adventures. Here’s to four more years!
Becky says
I blog but it’s not to make money nor do I dream of making money with it. I blog because I love to write and since writing isn’t a source of income right now, that is how I get my fix. :) It’s a private blog because no one but my friends want to hear about my life, my work, my kids, my home improvements/decorating etc.
Ellen says
My love of this post knows no bounds!To say I love that this was a burger focused photo grouping was much appreciated. It made my trying day in cubicle world so much better. I can’t wait to get home and show my dog Gracie. I anticiapte some cute barking at burger as she has done in the past!
Katie says
Is anyone else totally bummed that Blogiversary Week is over?? Me = sad panda. I enjoyed all the posts this week since it really gave us (the readers who love you so much) a peek into the behind-the-scenes aspect of you life. I think I’ve commented more this week than I have since I started reading your blog in 2008. Probably because I learned that you really do read all the comments and try to answer all the questions. That’s a huge part of why people are such die-hard YHL fans…we all feel like we know you and that you want to know us. Makes us all feel warm and fuzzy :) And sometimes reading your responses to comments/questions are just as entertaining as the posts themselves! Heck, John even responded while sitting at the dentist office…that’s dedication for ya. Or craziness…no, I’m sticking with dedication :) Haha. I also learned this week that thankfully I’m not the only one who feels slightly like a stalker for wanting to be your BFF and secretly hoping I will randomly meet you someday. Haha. I refer to you guys as “the people from my favorite website” and people know exactly who I mean!
So even though it’s been said a thousand times already, thank you so much for sharing your lives with the internet world and for making me laugh everyday! You guys inspire me to do more projects and to have the confidence to try new DIY things. In summary, YOU GUYS ROCK!
PS-one little question that’s been bugging me for a loooong time. When you switched your name from This Young House to YHL you said there was already something that had a title similar to TYH and that’s why you had to change?? I’m still scratching my head at what that was…has it been long enough that you can share more info? Or at least give me more clues? Haha :)
YoungHouseLove says
Just replace the word Young with Old (and keep This and House in the same place). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
SingleMama says
All of your Burger pics make me think of Skippyjonjones (especially the sombrero one!), have you read any of those books to Clara? My son loves them! (If you haven’t heard of them, it is a series about a siamese cat that thinks he is a chihuahua)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Those are the best!
xo,
s
LauraC says
“Like”
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Thanks for all the great info Youngsters!!! So when is a blog considered a “paid job” and you have to report the money you bring in? I have wondered this for awhile. Thank you! :)
YoungHouseLove says
You might want to ask an accountant since it might vary by region but we got a business license and paid taxes on every dollar we made from the start – even when we were just getting $30 from sponsors or for selling prints. I think Etsy businesses and even Ebay business have to pay taxes on the money they make, so we just claimed it all! Maybe paranoid, but we figured if you make money the gov. expects their cut. Even when it’s $30. Haha.
xo,
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
That all makes sense Sherry. Thank you. I will ask my accountant what I might need to do then. Thank you sooo much. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck!
xo,
s
Liesl says
I am LOVING these Blogiversary posts! And seriously, the pics of Burger are making me want to run, not walk, to my local animal shelter to pick up a cutie-patootie chihuahua. I had one growing up and she let me dress her up in doll clothes (don’t tell Burger, he would probably hate me for subjecting one of his kind to such torture) and push her around in my doll stroller. I think I’m past that, and would just enjoy a cute little lap-lander now :)
Thanks for the fun glimpses into your behind-the-scenes world!
Trisha says
Happy Blogiversary! I really enjoyed this series of posts this week!
The biggest lesson I’ve learned by renovating for two years (and am still learning) is to let go of perfection. Often, I have delayed doing something because I’m not sure how it will turn out. I call it “paralyzed by perfectionism.” This is one of the reasons I love your blog- you guys just go for it! If it doesn’t work out, you just try again! I have learned to tell myself that imperfections show the hand of the artist, thereby making it perfect again.
Also, things will not stay perfect, and that’s ok too, because it is entropy. For instance, newly refinished floors will get scratched, or a major hurricane might make your roof leak a little on your brand new ceiling, but these things are all out of our control and part of life, so it’s necessary to be zen about it all.
YoungHouseLove says
Such a great lesson! I love all the comments from you guys about your jobs and what you’ve learned in general by the way. So fascinating!
xo,
s
jess says
I know what you mean about the floors. We had our 1950’s mucky and scratched oak flooring refinished to a beautiful ebony. For the first 6 months, I was SO CRAZY about them- don’t wear shoes, no dogs, etc. Now I realize things can’t stay perfect forever!
mary says
Cheers to you! And thanks for sharing all these details. I’ve learned that even creative jobs (like writing books, which is what I do “on the side”)can be incredibly boring some days. And you answer to a lot of people. You do it because it is what you love and you MUST do it. But, as your pie charts show, about 80% of the job is sitting at a desk. And instant fame and fortune hardly ever happen. If you have a passion you will find a way to do it–by “not quitting your day job” right away and seeing where it takes you. Because you never know!
Bree says
Great post!! I love reading what you’ve learned! Burger’s photo commentary was awesome. I love the peeking from behind the computer…he looked very hard at work. That or he was watching videos of chihuahua ladies.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I think you’re right with the latter guess. He’s a sucker for the ladies.
xo,
s
Ally says
I LOVE seeing Burger all over this post. He is such a cutie!
Ashley says
Do you have any tips on how to generate more comments on your blog? I know I have about 30 loyal readers but hardly ever do I get a comment. I love blogging which is why I have done it for the past 2 years despite building a very small readership along the way. I want to continue but I am finding myself frustrated for all the work I put into blogging and get very little response back.
YoungHouseLove says
We just generally like to make it clear to our readers that we want our blog to be a conversation and never a one way street where we talk at them. So many times we’ll end a post with a question about our readers, so they can weigh in with their own experiences! We also try to reply to every last question, which might encourage people to keep chatting in the comments since they feel like they’re being heard. Hope it helps! Oh and leaving comments on other blogs helps too since they might drop in and return the favor!
xo,
s
annabelvita says
I know from my line of work that most websites work on a 100/10/1 rule. For every 100 readers, you’ll have about ten that comment, and 1 that is really active commenting. I reckon that’s a bit higher percentages for YHL as John and Sherry are so chatty, but I found it quite an interesting fact. – Sorry you probably won’t read this as I’m so late to the party Ashley!
Other things I’ve learnt from work… be nice to everyone you come into contact with, don’t be a jerk to the receptionist as you never know when they’re gonna save your bacon. I’ve learnt some other career specific things, but that’s probably the most general!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so interesting about the 100/10/1 thing!
xo,
s
Steph says
I started a blog many many moons ago to keep family updated on pics of the kids (kid at that point) but now I’ve started a second one that is more ME. I’m still trying to figure out the line that I want to follow on it though.
Your posts this week have been awesome. Can’t wait to see what happens at year 5! :)
Lauren says
This post came that the perfect time for me as I quit my job TODAY so that I could work on my freelance writing and my very new little blog.
It’s scary but exciting and at least if I ever do make it in this world I can do my own taxes..since the job I just left was an accounting position.
Thanks for all of the tips!!
Sarah says
Using Burger like that is such a creative way to illustrate this post! Which reminded me, one big thing I’ve learned just from seeing great blogs (like yours!) is that the best posts tell the story through pictures alone, kind of like the goofy Ikea directions. Words help fill in the blanks for people, but pictures that tell a good story are the hook that makes people read what you write. I’m definitely still working on this one!
Ashley says
Do I get 10 points for recognizing Katie Bower’s ottoman? A gold star? Thumbs up? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yess! You get two thumbs up with gold stars on them while the words “ten points” glow above them.
xo,
s
jess says
In my 4 years as a Realtor/leasing manager for a property management firm, I’ve learned several things- you can’t please everyone, never argue back to anyone that isn’t “happy” (just nod and say OK, I empathize with you, etc), always smile (it brightens everyone’s day and makes people comfortable), and pay attention to the details.. every single one.
Nellene says
Thanks for your honesty and doing this blog series. You definitely are “paying it forward”. So many successful bloggers are so hush hush about it. What happened to Burgers Blog? Was I the only follower or something? I loved it!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, Burger fell off the blogging train! We thought he might go back to it in the summer when it got warmer but he just sleeps most of the day. Haha. But he does make a bunch of appearances on Young House Life, so maybe that’s his new hangout when he’s not on YHL?
xo,
s
Roxanne M says
Burger is pretty much adorable! The pictures are great. I love your blog for many reasons; the top being that you write like people speak. You’re funny too and don’t take yourselves too seriously! Makes for an interesting and inspiring blog :)
Kami says
Love Burger!
jules says
I love the blogiversary posts! I think that you two are so successful because you seem like real people that we readers are friends with. I refer to John and Sherry in conversation as if you are people I know, not just people I read about…and I think that comfort (?) is what keeps people coming back! Plus now that you have Clara it’s hard not to check in to keep watching her grow!
Shelley says
That Burger is quite the character! I could see a talent scout “discovering” him one of these days!
-Shelley
YoungHouseLove says
I know right? He’s such a star.
xo,
s
MYE says
Not to be a party pooper, but historically, small businesses (blogging and beyond) do much better when a business plan is implemented.
I love that you focus on the fact that the “no business plan” route was simply what worked best for you but I’d be remiss if I didn’t jump in and just add that typically, a business plan is certainly something to consider. It organizes goals, helps you plan for the future, teaches you to manage cash flow, etc. I’m grateful I have one.
Okay, off the soap box. Enjoy your weekend. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, great points one and all! Maybe it should be said that a blog is best when born from passion but then could very well be developed with a business plan if that’s your thing? I’m sure many of the big blogs out there have huge business plans going into it!
xo,
s
Jill Browning says
I work a full-time desk job that I’m not passionate about. I have a blog and a teeny-tiny graphic design business (not sure I can even call it that?) that I can only work on part-time that I am COMPLETELY passionate about. Seeing the success you have gives me hope that someday I might also be able to do what I love for a living. Thank you so much for sharing the details of your life and blog (the details were surprisingly close to what I thought they’d be!). And thanks for keeping it real!!
Eileen says
thank you for all of these tips, and these posts ~ I have learned so much this week about life as a pro-blogger :)
As far as my own lessons from my career as a biomedical engineer, I have learned a few things that I think apply to anyone:
1) Don’t be discouraged by failure ~ in science, many ideas don’t work, and you have to be able to jump to the next idea without getting too sad about ‘failing’. Getting good results takes lots of time and effort.
2) Communication is key ~ make sure that you are telling a story. It seems a little funny to engineers, but I heard this advice over and over from successful professors, that whenever you give a presentation, or write an article, or apply for a grant, make sure you take the complicated scientific/technical details and frame them into a story – otherwise no one will care about what you are doing.
3) It’s all in the details ~ be very thorough in everything you do, keep good records, double check all calculations and revise all documents a million times. (approximately!)
In terms of blogging, I just have a personal blog that I keep for fun. I don’t have a lot of time to devote to it, so it’s unlikely to grow into anything big or really “successful”. But by keeping it up for the past 2 years I have learned that I love writing. Even without many readers, I just like the whole processes of putting my thoughts into works. I’m pretty wordy too so it takes awhile – and then I have this weird enjoyment of the editing process so I feel the need to read things over and revise 3-4 times before publishing. But the enjoyment of the whole process is its own reward, aside from money or fame or anything :)
Holly CF says
I love that you have a child but have not lost your love for your dog. I’m about to have a baby, but I’ve had my baby dog for 3 years. And I just love him so much. And I promised him I would love him just as much when the baby comes. And I love that you did that too. Love you Burger!
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says
Thanks so much for this week. I just recently started blogging and have found it is way more than what meets the average viewer’s eye. I am loving it though. Even though mine has no revenue yet I am loving hearing people tell me how much they love reading it and the way it is allowing all my family to keep up with everything we do since we live 3 hours away.
Cindy Berisic says
This is pretty incredible to read because I just recently started a blog in July and just yesterday I hit my 1,000 page view and I freaked! Like who are all those people, I certainly don’t know 1,000 people…I’m sure it’s just my cousins hitting refresh over and over but I love to see how you took something just for fun and made it so big! I have always been a diy dork and then I learned about Pinterest through Centsational Girl and the ideas just poured in so I started the blog to share all the projects I was doing. I truly love doing it. It’s so much fun especially when people say I can’t wait to try that project you did. It feels great knowing you’ve inspired someone else. I am a second grade teacher and I can honestly say after a long day of work I totally look forward to opening my laptop and hitting the YHL on the toolbar. Keep up the great work!!!
Tracie says
Love your blog:) great post too! I started my blog a year ago as a way to share family recipes with friends ( while preserving them for my kiddos). It has evolved and grown to show all aspects of what I love most— diy, remodeling, decorating , baking and thirfting— and family:) I haven’t made any money yet— but maybe now since my readership is growing I will. Need something to support my Lowes addiction.
Kristi W. says
Great tips! I blog too, but only as a hobby. I love writing in general, and photography is my passion, so it’s such a fun hobby for me to have. I wish I had more time to do it, honestly. But I can’t imagine the amount of work that would go into doing that full time. Your articles this week have been very eye-opening, not to mention just plain interesting!
Ali says
my blog is not nearly as shnazzy as yours but i love it. even after staring at the computer at work all day. its my little creative outlet and something fun to do. i have learned that readers LOVE pics. which i’ve noticed about myself too…when reading other blogs, pictures are usually what draw me in…so thanks for all the great photos in your posts! love it.
alg says
As you two already know, I also blog about DIY/home repair/decor stuff, but I do so from a renter’s perspective.
(SUCH a different ball game when you have a landlord to answer to…)
While I’m still a newbie, I’ve come to LOVE blogging & am working to expand even further into the ‘sphere.
Most fun part of blogging: Reveal posts. It’s so very gratifying to see before & after pics side by side, no?
Least part about blogging: The carpal tunnel. (Heh, heh.)
Actually, it’s the photos. Which I never, ever imagined.
It takes forever to stage them, take them, offload them, label them, edit them & file them. And that’s all before they’re even uploaded to the blog. Not to mention lighting. Trying to take pics in bad light is enough to make you wanna slap your mama. I stood on our front porch for 20 minutes yesterday waiting for the sun to go behind a cloud so giant shadows wouldn’t ruin my wicker shelf makeover reveal pics. Plllfffftttt!
But yeah, I love DIY blogging too. Just love it. Never thought anybody would want to watch me dig a flower bed or make a lantern from a jam jar, but I’m SUPER glad they do!!!
(And since y’all seem to be OK with it during Blogiversary Week, I’m going to take this chance to shamelessly self-promote, because I have a HUGEHUGEHUGE reveal post coming up on Monday. Thanks, btw, for both the advice & the permission to flaunt our own blogs here — it’s super cool of you guys to use your success to help out others.)
Anyhoo — Ahem… here we go…
HEY RENTERS!!! You CAN join in a lot of the DIY fun without breaking your lease OR your budget! Drop on by Rental House Rules http://www.rentalhouserules.wordpress.com to learn from a lifelong renter/ born-and-raised DIY brat. GIANT CURB APPEAL REVEAL WITH TONS OF PICS & TIPS SET TO POST ON MONDAY!!!!!!!!!
Heather P. says
I’m a college English instructor, and would have to say the most important thing I’ve learned so far is not to take it personally when my students get angry/frustrated with me. Sometimes people just have a bad day, and choose to take it out on others…and since I deal with 100+ students every day, the odds of that happening once in awhile are, well, pretty good. I just try to do my best to listen, stay calm, and if that doesn’t help, keep a written record of it for later. :-)
So there you go nosy nellies!
Constance says
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!!
Erin Wright says
Love your blog as I have spent the past 8 years working on a 1928 bungalow (yay RVA!) I also love it because I am fortunate enough to write a blog about food with several of my friends. (http://richmondfoodcollective.blogspot.com) The blog itself is four years old, and has gone through several incarnations- people have left, people have joined, we have different views on the direction the blog should go- I am sure you can picture it. When we can just relax (it is just food, right? Happy stuff!) the RFC is the most wonderful way to learn from my friends and really share something special with them. Plus, it is good discipline for writing- which I really enjoy. It was quite a shock when we got our first nasty comments (it is just food, right? Happy stuff?) but made us realize that making yourself vulnerable like that (sending words out into cyberspace) also makes you a more compassionate person. Anyway- thanks, y’all!